Richard Ashbeck, 38, Hemlock Cheese
Factory operator who was seriously burned when a tractor gasoline
tank exploded last Friday, was reported in "satisfactory condition"
this week.

Less seriously burned was Kenneth Worden,
34, owner of the tractor, whose farm adjoins the Hemlock Cheese
Factory on Highway 73, north of Greenwood. His burns
were treated by a Greenwood physician and he was released.

The explosion occurred after gasoline
spilled as Mr. Worden filled the tank. The gasoline ignited
as it hit the hot manifold and burst into flames. Mr.
Ashbeck, who saw the fire, rushed to Mr. Worden’s aid.

The men saw the tank was about to explode
and turned in flight. Before they were ten feet away,
however, the explosion came, showering flaming gasoline on
them.

Ashbeck wearing only a "T" shirt was
badly burned on his arms and shoulders. Worden, however, was
wearing a heavy jacket, which prevented burns except to the right
side of his face and his right hand.